A publicized incident that brings about disgrace or offends the moral sensibilities of society: a drug scandal that forced the mayor's resignation.
A person, thing, or circumstance that causes or ought to cause disgrace or outrage: a politician whose dishonesty is a scandal; considered the housing shortage a scandal.
Damage to reputation or character caused by public disclosure of immoral or grossly improper behavior; disgrace.
Talk that is damaging to one's character; malicious gossip.